1997 Volvo XC70 Review from North America

1997 Volvo XC70

Summary:

Good reason to buy another brand

Faults:

Vibration at highway speeds that never did go away. Had it to the dealer 17 times in two years. They kept it for a week at a time, never fixed it. Luckily they provided loaners. Finally they told me that they were aware of the problem, but couldn't fix it. They'd let us know if they heard anything (!). We drove down the street and traded it in on an Audi A6 Avant.

General Comments:

We went to Sweden to pick up this car from the factory on our honeymoon. It was in the shop for over FOUR MONTHS and wasn't fixed. I couldn't do anything under the lemon laws because Volvo wouldn't classify it as a safety issue. Volvo headquarters (USA and Sweden) told us they were "sorry that they didn't agree that the car had a problem" (even though the dealer technicians agreed). I have since found out that this was not an uncommon problem with the viscous coupling in the AWD system and that it has been replaced. I wouldn't have another Volvo if they gave me one.

30th Aug 2004, 16:10

26th Jan 2005, 18:06

We love our volve. its true about the up keep, if they are not in for tune ups and what not, the are bad. We have taken good care of ours and not had and big problems. we are thinking about getting another one the same year and everything!! (1998) HAVE A GREAT DRIVE!!

18th Oct 2005, 11:04

We purchased our 1998 XC70 for Christmas '97. Loved the car, it was great, but as it aged (and we did ALL recommended auto care and maintenance) it deteriorated. Every time we took it to the dealer for a problem it seems they messed something else up. Final straw, this spring it totally died (with no warnings) and we had to replace the engine which had only about 70K miles. Cost about $4,000. Now a few months later there is something wrong with the heating block (?) and either we do another expensive repair (pulling out the dash is expensive I'm told) or get another car. So that's what I think we need to to and it won't be another Volvo. My husband still loves his S60 though!